diff --git a/engine/types.go b/engine/types.go
index 95a9ee6..9b53e7b 100644
--- a/engine/types.go
+++ b/engine/types.go
@@ -240,15 +240,15 @@ func ConfigForPlayers(numPlayers, coresPerPlayer int) Config {
 	// ZoneMinRadius must be >= spawn radius so bots aren't killed before they can reach attack range
 	// Faster shrink (interval 2) forces quicker engagement
 	if numPlayers == 2 {
-		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 1      // Start zone immediately for 2-player (maximum forcing)
-		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns (faster pressure)
-		cfg.ZoneShrinkStep = 1     // Shrink 1 tile per interval (0.5 tiles/turn, bots can keep up)
-		cfg.ZoneMinRadius = 3      // Final zone diameter (6) is closer to attack radius (3.5)
+		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 20     // Start zone at turn 20 for 2-player (per plan §3.7.1)
+		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns
+		cfg.ZoneShrinkStep = 2     // Shrink 2 tiles per interval (1 tile/turn, per plan §3.7.1)
+		cfg.ZoneMinRadius = 3      // Final zone diameter (6) forces bots into attack range (3.5)
 		cfg.AttackRadius2 = 36     // 6 tiles (maximum for 2-player random bots)
 	} else {
-		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 15     // Start zone early for 3+ players (larger gap to close)
-		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns (faster pressure)
-		cfg.ZoneShrinkStep = 1     // Shrink 1 tile per interval (0.5 tiles/turn, bots can keep up)
+		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 15     // Start zone at turn 15 for 3+ players (per plan §3.7.1)
+		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns
+		cfg.ZoneShrinkStep = 2     // Shrink 2 tiles per interval (1 tile/turn, per plan §3.7.1)
 		cfg.ZoneMinRadius = 3      // Final zone diameter (6) forces bots into attack range (3.5)
 		cfg.AttackRadius2 = 12     // 3.5 tiles (same as 2-player for better combat trigger)
 	}